Last night, was probably the weirdest draft in NFL history. Of course you've had Sam Bradford picked at number one and the Big 12's fearsome tackles at number two and three.
The biggest shock of the draft had to be the Broncos giving up three picks to get the Baltimore Ravens 25th pick to draft Tim Tebow over second best quarterback Jimmy Clausen.
There have been smart, dangerous, and bizarre picks in this year's draft but the biggest winners of the first round had to be Dallas, Detroit, San Francisco and Seattle.
The Cowboys trade up to the 22nd pick and swap their 27th pick with the New England Patriots to grab the controversial wide receiver in the draft Dez Bryant.
While the Lions add Ndamukong Suh and traded their second round pick for Minnesota's 30th pick to get Cal running back Jahvid Best. Also the NFC West teams San Francisco and Seattle had an impressive draft.
The 49ers add some beef to the offensive line by drafting Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati to beef up the offensive line to protect Alex Smith. The Seahawks also got their man in Russell Okung to be the starter at left tackle, if Walter Jones retires and they get a safety in Earl Thomas.
I will go over my analysis of each pick and give my thoughts on each pick. Why I think it's good, bad or questionable. I welcome you guys inside my mind and thank you reading the article.
Number One- St Louis Rams - Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma
The Rams did the smart thing by drafting Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford to become the starting quarterback. The Lou probably wanted Suh to join Fred Robbins in the middle but getting a quarterback was a major need.
Bradford brings youth and leadership to a team that is looking to break some ground. Makes smart decisions and has great accuracy. Great pocket passer that love play action. Nice arm strength but he needs to add some weight because 214 lbs is not enough for him to take punishment.
The Rams need to get a top-tier wide receiver for Bradford to throw to. Donnie Avery and the other receivers on the Rams roster are not number one receivers.
Number Two - Detroit Lions - Ndamukong Suh DT, Nebraska
Jim Schwartz is looking to bring some toughness to the Lions defense and he got it by getting Ndamukong Suh. Getting Suh strengthens the Lions defense after finishing 25th against the run.
What's good about this selection is he would be paired with ex-Brown Corey Williams to become a force on the inside while ex-Titan Kyle Vanden Bosch & Cliff Avril would be outside.
Suh is powerful and can take on double-teams. He great body strength and can break away from linemen. He brings humility and leadership to a team that needs it. The Lions are growing on me with their acquisitions.
There is hope in Detroit and getting Suh was a big pickup.
Number Three - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Gerald McCoy DT, Oklahoma
After Suh was drafted by the Detroit Lions, the Buccaneers had no other choice but to draft Gerald McCoy and it was a wise pick to draft a young lineman.
McCoy might not look like a defensive tackle but he sure plays like one. He's very athletic and can close in on the ball-carrier. He has a high motor and passion for the game. He brings intensity, quickness and toughness to the Tampa defense.
The Buccaneers need to work on that defense some more and might need to get a defensive end like Everson Griffen. Sure they could get a receiver but that defense need a huge makeover and I'm not talking cosmetics.
Number Four - Washington Redskins - Trent Williams OT, Oklahoma
It was a no-brainer that the Washington Redskins would draft a tackle to protect Donovan McNabb, but to get a tackle that plays the right tackle position, that's another thing.
It's no surprise that the Skins would draft Trent Williams. He's NFL ready and plays like a veteran. He's athletic and will protect his quarterback. Excellent footwork and well balanced. Let's say he's unorthodox. Williams has been high on the draft board for the Redskins and they like what he brings.
I still think Okung could have been better but could this mean Williams will play the right tackle position and they could be thinking Flozell Adams as the left tackle.
It makes sense to get a veteran to fill retired Redskin Chris Samuels. Let's see what happens but if they get Adams, the Redskins are set with their starting tackles.
Number Five - Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Berry S, Tennessee
I expected the Chiefs to get a tackle but this makes sense to me. Eric Berry is the best safety in the draft and why should they pass him up? The safety core was weak and they didn't have a playmaker to strengthen the secondary.
Berry brings physicality and size to the position. He has a nose for the ball and can lay the wood on whoever crosses him. He smart and can make plays.
An Ed Reed in the making and loves turning interceptions into touchdowns. Chiefs need a ball-hawk type safety and they got one in Eric Berry.
Number Six - Seattle Seahawks - Russell Okung OT, Oklahoma State
The Seahawks could have drafted Eric Berry if the Chiefs were drafted a tackle but getting Russell Okung means something.
I feel this was a major need because the left tackle position is in question with the future of veteran Walter Jones. This is a great pick because Okung is a big body that will protect Matt Hasselbeck.
I still think Berry could have been their guy but Okung wasn't a pick to be passed up for other teams to draft, He has great upside and is a physical run blocker. He can pass protect and is a great leader.
Number Seven - Cleveland Browns - Joe Haden CB, Florida
Cleveland didn't get Berry but getting Joe Haden does tell that Sheldon Brown will move to safety, I think.
Haden is small but plays like a big man at corner. He brings a physical style of play to Cleveland that would help the secondary. He brings the lumber to anyone that comes to his direction. He's perfect in run support. He's fearless against blocks and loves to mix it up. Excellent speed and great hands. He can be coached and that's always good.
The Browns are serious about beefing up their defense and getting a corner was good.
Number Eight - Oakland Raiders - Rolando McClain LB, Alabama
Al Davis once again has shocked the world...with confusion. The Raiders picked linebacker Rolando McClain possibly as the new middle linebacker but this wasn't a major need.
The Raiders have major needs for a quarterback, tackle and defensive end but overlooked that to get a linebacker. I don't have a problem with McClain. He fits the mold of a Raider and is very physical.
I think he's a excellent player and will be do well but the Raiders shot themselves in the foot. This is another example of the Raiders digging themselves in the hole and screwing themselves out of the draft. They're not gonna be successful if they don't get guys that are high in positions that they want.
Number Nine - Buffalo Bills - CJ Spiller RB, Clemson
Buffalo drafting CJ Spiller begs the question. What do they do with Marshawn Lynch? There have been rumblings about a Lynch trade but getting Spiller kinda shocks me because a quarterback or defensive tackle could have been a better selection.
However, the fanbase of Orchard Park should be happy because this guy is exciting to watch. He's an excellent runner with tremendous speed. He reminds of a guy named Chris Johnson who plays for the Tennessee Titans.
Also he brings electricity to the return game and he's tough to stop. Not only he's extremely fast but he can break tackles. This guy will make coordinators heads spin and that's why the Bills got him. Good luck on stopping him AFC East.
Number 10 - Jacksonville Jaguars - Tyson Alulalu DT, California
My problem with this pick is that if the Jaguars wanted to get a defensive tackle to join John Henderson on the inside, they should have drafted Dan Williams because of size.
You look at Tyson Alualu, he's quicker to get to the quarterback but he lacks size for an interior lineman. May seem like I'm bashing the Jaguars but they failed to get somebody to get some beef in the middle.
I like Alualu, don't get me wrong, but he's not a Top 10 pick and they could gotten somebody with size to clog the inside.
Number 11 - Philadelphia Eagles (via DEN) - Brandon Graham DE, Michigan
When the Eagles trade their 22nd pick with Denver to get the number 11 pick, you would think that it was tailor-made to get Earl Thomas but they choose Brandon Graham.
Graham is a good pick but they at least could have drafted a cornerback or safety. Due to his performance in the Senior Bowl, Graham's stock went high in this draft.
My concern with this pick is he's undersized for a defensive lineman standing at 6'1". What's good about Graham is he can pass rush and his motor is very high. He's a sack machine that can spin around linemen and take down the quarterback.
Look at his career 29.5 sacks in Ann Arbor on his resume. He fits the mold as a Eagle with his style of play. They could have stayed down to get a linebacker but I respect the move.
Number 12 - San Diego Chargers (via MIA) - Ryan Mathews RB, Fresno St
There was no question that San Diego would get this guy, but they sure reached higher to grab Miami's 12th pick to get Ryan Mathews.
The Chargers had options to get a defensive tackle to replace Jamal Williams but the running back position was important and getting Mathews is a upgrade.
He's a physical runner with great vision. Mathews is patient with his pursuit against linebackers and goes for the attack to get extra yards. He has great size and can punish the opposition with a vicious stiff arm. There's no doubt, he's the starter to replace LaDainian Tomlinson.
Number 13 - San Francisco 49ers - Anthony Davis OT, Rutgers
The 49ers addressed the right tackle position by grabbing Anthony Davis with the first pick. This was a major need to fill because of Tony Pashos going to Cleveland and Adam Snyder not living up to his expectations.
The 49ers had a chance to draft Bryan Bulaga but went with Davis which has been sliding off the board. He like Joe Staley can play both left and right in the tackle position.
Athletic and flexible, he can move around to protect his quarterback from the opposition. They could have drafted Earl Thomas but getting a right tackle was a must.
Number 14 - Seattle Seahawks - Earl Thomas S/CB - Texas
Before Earl Thomas, the safety position was in exile after Deon Grant left for the Giants. The only guys they had were Jamar Adams and Jordan Babineaux, they are not starting material.
Thomas is undersized but he's a plays like a linebacker in his position. He play can both corner and safety but he's projected to be a free safety. He's a physical ball-hawk player that love interceptions. Very intelligent and have great instincts. Great for man coverage.
The Seahawks have done a good job so far by focusing on the left tackle and safety position, next they need to focus on a pass rusher.
Number 15 - New York Giants - LB, Jason Pierre-Paul DE, South Florida
After missing out on drafting Rolando McClain for the vacant middle linebacker spot, the Giants turned their attention to defensive end and it wasn't Derrick Morgan.
Jason Pierre-Paul was a great pickup for the Giants because he has everything that they want. He has excellent speed and athleticism. He has the ability to blow past the lineman to get to the quarterback.
The knock on him is that he's a JUCO transfer but if he has the traits to be an excellent pass rusher, why not get him? This helps the defensive line but what does that mean for Osi Umeniyora? Time will tell but nice pickup by the G-Men.
Number 16 - Tennessee Titans - Derrick Morgan DE, Georgia Tech
With Kyle Vanden Bosch joining Jim Schwartz in Detroit the Titans found their guy at defensive end. Derrick Morgan was the best defensive end in the draft and the Titans are happy that he fell in their lap.
What Morgan brings to the Titans is he's a strong pass rusher and he has the speed to go past the lineman to get to the quarterback. He's very skilled and powerful with great upside.
This was a major need with Jevon Kearse in his thirties and plus Morgan can play both left and right. Great job by Jeff Fisher and company to get this guy.
Number 17 - San Francisco 49ers - Mike Iupati OG, Idaho
Frank Gore must be smiling because not only Spiller was picked by the Bills but the 49ers drafted tackle Anthony Davis and guard Mike Iupati to strengthen the offensive line.
I like this selection because the 49ers wanna protect Alex Smith and they wanna add new blood to the line. Iupati's a blue collar and has a gritty style to him.
His massive structure favors him against the bull rush and can opening windows for running backs. I love what the 49ers did getting in the draft and it will pay off.
Number 18 - Pittsburgh Steelers - Maurkice Pouncey C/G, Florida
The Steelers pounced their way to get Florida guard Maurkice Pouncey. They have needs at cornerback and wide receiver, but the right guard position was a must and Pouncey fits the mold of a Steelers offensive lineman.
He's physical and a great blocker. Like what he did at Florida with Tim Tebow, he will protect the quarterback and that has to bring music to Ben Rothlesberger's ears.
He's mobile for a guard and will make way for a running back to gain extra yards. Also he's best suited to play both positions as a guard and center. When Justin Hartwig's days as a Steeler is over with look for Pouncey to move to the center spot.
Number 19 - Atlanta Falcons - Sean Weatherspoon LB, Missouri
The Atlanta Falcons needed help in a major way to strengthen their defense but they picked up the explosive Sean Weatherspoon from Missouri. They have been thinking a pass rusher in Morgan or Pierre-Paul but this is not a bad pick.
Weatherspoon brings durability and a physical style to help Mike Peterson and Curtis Lofton to stop the run. The Falcons haven't successful in stopping the run and getting a fresh linebacker. From what's being said, the Falcons really had this guy on the radar and that's why they picked up.
Number 20- Houston Texans - Kareem Jackson CB, Alabama
The Houston Texans did the right thing to pick a cornerback, but to go over Kyle Wilson does shock me. The Texans picked Alabama CB Kareem Jackson to replace Dunta Robinson.
Jackson is competitive and can bang with the rest of them. He's fearless when it comes to covering receivers and he's tough to score on. They need somebody like this that can go against the vaunted Colts receiving core led by Reggie Wayne.
Maybe it's something they see in Jackson but I would have preferred Kyle Wilson.
Number 21 - Cincinnati Bengals - Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma
I hate this because the Ravens didn't wheel and deal to get Gresham, but the Bengals finally add a tight end with starting potential. This is a position that has been long overdue for the Bengals.
After Tony McGee left the Bengals, the search for a tight end hasn't been stellar. Now, the Bengals add Jermaine Gersham as the starting tight end for Carson Palmer to throw to besides Chad Ochocinco and newly acquired Antonio Bryant.
Gresham is not your average tight end. He's a receiver in a tight end's body that can play slot and can be a mismatch for the opposition.
Number 22 - Denver Broncos (via NE) - Demaryius Thomas WR, Georgia Tech
The Broncos did grab a receiver with the first pick after a whirlwind of trades but it wasn't Dez Bryant. That's right they choose second best over the best receiver in the draft.
Denver picked up 6'3" juggernaut Demaryius Thomas from the Georgia Tech. I knew they were gonna get a receiver with first pick after Brandon Marshall went South but to pick over Dez Bryant baffles me.
Did the character flaws and beef with the media play a part grabbing Thomas? For a guy that's 229 lbs, Demaryius Thomas can run. Good reach and has the advantage to catch balls. He's a matchup problem for opposing corners. I like Thomas's presence and style of play but Dez Bryant was the guy Denver should have drafted.
Number 23 - Green Bay Packers - Bryan Bulaga OT, Iowa
Green Bay made the right decision to grab Bryan Bulaga with the first pick and I have to say that they were lucky to get him.
Here's why: Bulaga was a potential first round pick. The 49ers could have drafted him but instead picked up Anthony Davis. He's a quarterback's best friend, willing to protect his guy from the opposition. A technician with size and can run block. Great footwork. He's easy to be coach and has a tremendous work wthic.
The Packers add some beef on the offensive line to back up Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. Let's not forget the Packers were pedestrian last season protecting Aaron Rodgers plus the injuries affecting them. Bulaga brings youth and size to the offensive line to protect their quarterback especially against the Vikings.
Number 24 - Dallas Cowboys (via NE) - Dez Bryant WR, Oklahoma State
Somewhere Jerry Jones is popping champagne after the Cowboys made a deal with the Patriots to get the 24th pick and it paid off.
Dallas drafted the controversial Dez Bryant to become another weapon for Tony Romo to throw to. The reason why this is good for Dallas because Double J doesn't want a repeat from what happened after passing Randy Moss.
If you know the best receiver is out there, you better grab him. Bryant joins Miles Austin, Roy Williams and Jason Witten to create a strong receiving core.
He fits the traits of what Tony Romo needs. He's athletic and can run routes. His hands are catchable and get away from the opposition. Here's the question, can the Cowboys deal with another receiver with character issues? Can Tony Romo co-exist with Bryant? Also what does this mean for Miles Austin who's still in contract talks with the Cowboys? This remains to be seen but it's a gamble worth taking for the Cowboys.
Number 25 - Denver Broncos (via Baltimore - Tim Tebow QB, Florida
The Broncos gave up their second, third, and fourth round draft pick for the Ravens 25th pick to get a quarterback.
Here's the problem: they passed Jimmy Clausen for Tim Tebow. This may be a trade that could haunt both the Broncos and Ravens for years to come. I'm not saying Tim Tebow is bad because his critics feels he's not a traditional NFL quarterback like Drew Brees, Manning and Tom Brady, but they passed on Jimmy Clausen.
I feel like if you have the top quarterback on the draft board taken early why not go for the second? I know the Broncos don't wanna go the Jay Cutler route but Jimmy Clausen is better than Tim Tebow. Tebow's role with the Broncos is very confusing to me because I'm wondering how you use him in the system.
I feel like Denver missed out on some opportunities to get the best receiver and second best quarterback. They focused more on character than talent. My reason for adding the Ravens in this conversation because they failed to pick up cornerback Kyle Wilson who was available before Rex's Jets grabbed him.
The Ravens had a chance to grab a corner who could help Ed Reed and entire secondary after losing Demaryius Thomas, Jermaine Gresham and Dez Bryant. This is another result of Ozzie Newsome dropping the ball...
Number 26 - Arizona Cardinals - Dan Williams DT, Tennessee
Arizona made the right decision to pick Dan Williams who could be the starting tackle in Week One. Before Williams, the Cardinals were thing at nose tackle and nobody to shoulder the load in the position.
It was smart because Williams is perfect for the 3-4 system and can smother the run. He's dominating and can collapse in the pocket. The Cardinals have done a good job in the off season to be re-up on defense but getting a defensive tackle is important.
I'm appalled at how the Jaguars passed up an opportunity to get Dan Williams to beef up the middle but hey Arizona is smiling with this pick.
Number 27 - New England Patriots (via DAL) - Devin McCourty CB, Rutgers
The Patriots played a game of Russian Roulette by trading down to the Cowboys 27th pick and passing up an opportunity of getting Dez Bryant.
Giving their pick was a mistake because Bryant was available and could have been a starter especially with Randy Moss and Wes Welker becoming free agents in 2011.
They also missed out an opportunity to get a linebacker like Sergio Kindle and Jerry Hughes who could have been in Adalius Thomas spot. I think this pick is questionable because cornerback wasn't a major need.
I like McCourty and his playmaking abilities, but I really didn't see the Patriots going for a corner with the first pick. Bob Kraft had to know Dallas was closing in on Dez Bryant. Not a smart decision.
Number 28 - Miami Dolphins (via SD) - Jared Odrick DE/DT, Penn State
The Dolphins picked up Jared Odrick and this was a major need because of Jason Ferguson's eight game suspension.
Odrick is versatile and is perfect for the 3-4 system. He's very athletic with an unstoppable motor. Well balanced player with with killer instincts. He has a natural high on the field and has a passion for the game. He may not be a big run-stuffer like Terrence Cody or Brian Price but he can play.
Number 29 - New York Jets - Kyle Wilson CB, Boise State
I'm still surprised with the Jets drafting Kyle Wilson after the trade for Antonio Cromartie to join Revis Island. I expected a defensive end/defensive tackle or Taylor Mays to be picked but the Jets wanna have good depth at cornerbacks.
Getting Wilson is a nice pickup because not only he can recover but is a threat in the return game. He put on a clinic at Boise State by returning kicks. He fits Rex Ryan's team with his scrappy style and toughness.
He can hold his own against receivers. They could have drafted Mays but it's smart because of his style of play as a corner and returner. I like what the Jets what are doing.
Number 30 - Detroit Lions (via MIN) - Jahvid Best RB, California
Minnesota stunned me by giving up their first round pick to the Lions and they could have picked up Jimmy Clausen with this pick. Let's be real here. Clausen was projected as a first round pick and fell all the way to the second round.
The Lions didn't have to go through all of that to get Jahvid Best with the Rams possibly staring at receivers Golden Tate and Arrelious Benn or a defensive lineman.
Lions do get a steal and I expect good things from Best. Who knows about the status of Kevin Smith and if he'll be ready for Week One against Chicago but you can pencil Best as the starter. This guy is fast and has stellar vision. He can run inside and is explosive. The Lions are looking good right now.
Number 31 - Indianapolis Colts - Jerry Hughes DE/OLB, TCU
I like this pick by the Colts because Jerry Hughes fits the mold of the Colts defense. The Colts like speed and quickness in their defense and Hughes is a complement to the defensive line. Also, their lineman are undersized.
They could have drafted a defensive tackle. Probably Jared Odrick because of his versatility if the Dolphins didn't draft him. Hughes motor is non-stop and he's excellent as a pass rusher. He can take on the offensive tackle one-on-one and can beat tackles.
I don't know about Terrence Cody because he doesn't fit what the Colts are looking for based on size. It was a must to get him because Robert Mathis is a free agent next year
Number 32 - New Orleans Saints - Patrick Robinson CB, Florida State
Honestly, I'm surprised that the Saints would go for a CB with Terrence Cody available in the draft. The Saints need a run-clogger to stop the run especially against the likes of Double Trouble (Carolina's DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart), Michael Turner and Cadillac Williams.
Plus what I don't like about this pick is that the depth at cornerback is loaded with Jabari Greer, Tracy Porter, Randall Gay & Malcolm Jenkins. They could have at least made a play for Sergio Kindle to fill the void of newly acquired Brown line Scott Fujita.
Robinson has gives the Saints some speed at corner and is strong for a cornerback. Robinson is very athletic and has good instincts. He has a nose the ball and can make plays.
Nothing wrong with him personally but the Saints have major needs at defensive tackle and linebacker. Maybe they'll get either one in the second round.
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